The Cares Family was a group of charities which operated in the UK from 2011 to 2023.[1] The organisation brought older and younger people together to reduce loneliness and intergenerational polarisation in London, Manchester and Liverpool.[2][3] It also shared its approach with communities across the UK,[4] raised awareness of the impact of loneliness, and advocated for government action.[5]
| Founded | 2011 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Alex Smith |
| Dissolved | 2023 |
| Focus | bringing older and younger people together to reduce loneliness and intergenerational polarisation |
| Website | www |
The Cares Family was one of a number of initiatives credited for leading action on Britain's 'loneliness epidemic' which the former UK prime minister, Theresa May, said was 'one of the greatest public health challenges of our time.'[6]
Founding and launch
editThe Cares Family was inspired by a chance meeting between its founder, Alex Smith, and an older neighbour, Fred, on May 6, 2010. Smith was canvassing for votes in a local election when he met Fred, who had not left his home for three months. Smith wheeled his neighbour to the voting place, returned the next day to take him for a haircut, and the two developed a friendship that helped both feel more connected in their local communities. This friendship led to the creation by Smith of the first local charity in The Cares Family group, North London Cares.[7]
Closing
editThe group ceased operating in November 2023, due to difficulty fundraising.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Butler, Patrick; Dugan, Emily (2023-11-01). "Loneliness charity the Cares Family goes bust, warning others will follow". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
- ^ "Community networks linking older and younger people". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
- ^ "Can councils end London's loneliness epidemic?". 2022-05-03. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
- ^ "People from Bradford sought to join community leaders programme". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 2023-01-10. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
- ^ "Loneliness is a serious public-health problem". The Economist. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
- ^ "PM launches Government's first loneliness strategy". GOV.UK. 2018-10-16. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
- ^ "Finding Connection in a Disconnected Age: Stories of community in a time of change". nesta. Retrieved 2024-08-19.